Following his graduation from North Hills High School in 1998, Chads Mullinary didn’t find any encouragement to further his education.

He spent 21 years working in restaurants, rising from dishwasher to management, before becoming a Realtor, which he’s done now for five years.

“I came from a poor family,” he said. “I’ve made my way. I’d like to help other kids who maybe could use a hand.”

Mullinary, 46, of West View has created a scholarship to help students from his alma mater who are pursuing hands-on learning and specialized career education.

The Chads Mullinary Real Estate Trade & Technical Scholarship will be awarded to graduating seniors who plan to continue their education at a two-year college, vocational school, technical institute or accredited career training program.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Chads to bring this scholarship to life,” North Hills Superintendent Patrick Mannarino said. “A North Hills graduate who now has children in the district, Chads understands our community in a meaningful way. We’re grateful for his support and his investment in students pursuing careers in the trades and technical fields.”

Mullinary is a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. He and his wife, Margaret, have two sons, Chads, 13, and Luke, 10.

“I work a lot in this area and I want to be able to give back,” he said. “It’s hard to find ways to give back that actually make a difference. I wanted to try to do something a little different.”

For 2026, two scholarships valued at no less than $500 each will be awarded. Mullinary said he will fund additional scholarships with proceeds from each home he sells in the North Hills School District, which serves Ross and West View.

“This is a new idea for me,” he said. “I just want to keep growing it.”

Applications will be due by April 15 of each year. An application and more information are available online at nhsd.net/fs/pages/1872.

Recipients will be recognized at North Hills High School’s annual senior awards night in May. This year’s event will be at 7 p.m. May 18 at the high school auditorium.

Those interested in supporting the scholarship can contribute to it through the North Hills Foundation.

“I hope it really makes a positive, small difference in somebody’s life,” Mullinary said. “If I can encourage somebody who might not get any further education to get them to educate themselves and have a better life, that’s all I’m looking to do.”